Background:

Maketar produce Kubaki and vinyl masks in two series:
Insignia Series provides masks to create national markings, codes and fin flashes. Quite a few air forces are included in this series including USAAF, RAF, Luftwaffe, RAAF, CFAF, Japan, etc.
Fighter Series provides markings for specific aircraft or generic markings for aircraft.
Although Maketar produce masks in both Kabuki and Vinyl mediums, their preference is for the Kabuki tape. Maketar produce masks in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scales and also masks for canopies. It’s well worth having a look at the range of masks that they offer.

Contents:

1/48 RAAF Modern roundels
This release contains masks for RAAF roundels that are applicable to any aircraft currentely used by the RAAF. The masks are packed into a re sealable plastic bag. Inside is:
-3 x sheets of masks for the roundels.
Sheet size is: 112mm [4 ⅝˝] x 95mm [3¾˝]

Roundel size included is:
-6 x 18˝.
-6 x 22˝.
-6 x 24˝.
-6 x 30˝.
-6 x 36˝.
-6 x 48˝.
-6 x 50˝.
-6 x 66˝.

These masks are made from Kubaki tape [Vinyl ones are available], which seems to be the most popular media for mask making these days. It is very difficult to make out the individual masks on each sheet and impossible to photograph. The sizes are given on the mask, but they are a little tricky to see.
The instructions are printed on the back of the label and to be honest take a bit of figuring out at first, but once understood seem pretty logical. It is claimed that the masks can be used several times and if so really makes good economic sense to use them if you are building a few RAAF subjects. Lining the letters up presents interesting problems, but Maketar idea of placing a strip of Tamiya tape along the centre line of the letter seems a very good one. This also keeps all the parts of the mask together. Perhaps a tutorial on the Maketar website might be an idea, although they do offer help via email.

Price
Vinyl: £6.74
Kabuki: £7.23

Conclusions:

This will be an interesting method of achieving sympathetic looking marking for your models particularly if you like to weather your aircraft. The bright coloured decals always look at odds with heavily weathered paintwork. Just think no more decal solutions, silvering, annoying specks of dust and air bubbles under the decals spoiling your pride and joy. It may not be quite so instant, but the little extra effort involved using these masks could create that award winning model you have been dreaming about.